CU & Other College Sports

Scouting report: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Oregon Ducks

Oregon running back Royce Freeman has 450 yards and five touchdowns on the ground this season and has the ability to make life miserable for the Buffs. (Ryan Kang / Associated Press)

Key matchup

CU defense vs. Oregon RB Royce Freeman

All week, the Buffs have said that job No. 1 this week is to slow down Freeman, who is one of the nation's top running backs. He's got 450 yards and five touchdowns on the ground this season and has the ability to make life miserable for the Buffs. At 5-foot-11, 230 pounds, Freeman isn't easy to tackle, so the Buffs have to be precise in their tackling to try to limit his yards after contact.

Colorado at a glance

Record: 3-1; defeated Nicholls 48-0 last week.

Statistical leaders

Passing — Sefo Liufau, Jr.: 66 of 113, 771 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT.

Rushing — Christian Powell, Sr.: 41 carries, 245 yards, 3 TD.

Receiving — Nelson Spruce, Sr.: 25 catches, 276 yards, 1 TD.

Tackles — Kenneth Olugbode, Jr.: 32 tackles (13 solo).

3 questions facing CU

1. Will this be a breakout game for quarterback Sefo Liufau and receiver Nelson Spruce?

The No. 1 pass-catch duo in CU history, Liufau and Spruce have racked up a ton of records during their time here. They have yet to have a big game this year, though. Liufau hasn't thrown for more than 227 yards in a game and Spruce's season high is 80 yards. Facing an Oregon team that ranks 112th in pass efficiency defense, there could be an opportunity for Liufau and Spruce to bust loose.

2. Can the Buffs' defense find a way to slow down Oregon's offense?

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Through four games, CU is playing solid defense, but against weaker competition. Oregon presents CU with its toughest challenge on defense. The Buffs' ability to limit Oregon's scoring opportunities will be critical for them to stay in this game and have a chance to win it.

3. How will a big crowd and a national TV audience impact the Buffs?

CU is expecting its biggest home crowd since Oregon's last visit to Boulder, on Oct. 5, 2013. Folsom Field could be close to capacity for a prime-time game on ESPN. That figures to create an electric atmosphere, which could make a positive impact on the Buffs.

Bottom line: CU talked all offseason about the strides it has made in being able to compete with the good teams in the Pac-12. Now, the Buffs get a chance to prove they have, indeed, closed the gap. The Buffs need to use the momentum and confidence they've gained from a three-game win streak and prove they belong on the same field with the Ducks.

Oregon at a glance

Record: 2-2; lost at home to No. 10 Utah, 62-20.

Statistical leaders

Passing — Vernon Adams Jr., Sr.: 43 of 71, 581 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT.

Rushing — Royce Freeman, So.: 69 carries, 450 yards, 5 TD.

Receiving — Bralon Addison, Jr.: 16 catches, 216 yards, 2 TD.

Tackles — Joe Walker, Sr.: 29 tackles (10 solo), 2.5 TFL.

3 questions facing Oregon

1. How will the Ducks bounce back from their worst defeat in 12 years?

Oregon hasn't lost consecutive games since a three-game skid to close the 2007 regular season. Since the start of 2008, the Ducks are 12-0 in the week following a defeat. The loss to Utah was much more humbling than any of those other losses, though. The Ducks need to push that out of their minds and focus on the task at hand.

2. Can the defense limit Colorado's scoring?

Oregon ranks 117th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 40.8 points per game. They've been especially porous against the pass, giving up 301.3 yards per game through the air. The best game the defense played came in its toughest game, on the road at No. 2 Michigan State. This defense has struggled, but it has the athletes and ability to play well.

3. Can the Ducks avoid costly mistakes?

So far this year, Oregon has been one of the most-penalized teams in the country (8.5 per game), and they've committed nearly two turnovers per game. Turnovers and penalties were issues in both of Oregon's losses, against Michigan State and Utah.

Bottom line: It hasn't been a good start to the season for Oregon, but all the tools are there for the Ducks to right the ship and regain their spot among the nation's elite. Play well and get a big win against the Buffs, and it could spark a nice turnaround for Oregon. Lose this one, and it'll be an indication of deeper issues for this proud program.

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